All of us, at one point in life have wanted to do something new: Whether it was picking up a sport when we were a child, or maybe learning a new instrument. Whenever that urge arises there are many things that we need to consider: Money, Time, Effort, Time Away, Schedule, etc, etc, etc. Once everything is considered, then we need to make a choice. We can either choose to say – this is something that I WANT to do, so let’s go for it, or we may decide that this isn’t something that we have the time or money for right now, but maybe later.

In our scripture readings for today we were asked to make a choice – were we willing to leave everything behind (our families, our jobs, our lives) to follow Jesus. Our first reaction is usually – of course, but then we start to think about what that really means.

If you think about the very first disciples, they were fishermen who dropped their livelihoods, they were tax collectors who most of the town had issues with, they were men who were later going to betray and doubt Jesus. The first disciples weren’t perfect and neither are we, but we are called to drop everything, pick up our cross and follow Jesus.

We are called to follow the examples that Jesus set for us over the past few weeks: The example of helping an ailing woman, even when he knew he would be ridiculed for it. The example of not always inviting the cool or popular people, but also making sure to include the lonely, the outcast, and more.

Yes, living our lives as Jesus’ disciples is not easy, there are sacrifices, consequences, times of difficulty, but it’s a life that I am willing to say YES to!

Questions to Ponder or Discuss1. What is something that you have had to give up because of time or money constraints?
2. Have you ever had to tell your child or family member that they needed to give something up because of time or money?
3. What makes following Jesus easy? What makes it difficult?
4. If Jesus were to come up to you at your place of employment and say, “Drop what you’re doing and follow me?” What would your answer be?

LIVE IT!All of us have been called to pick up our cross. What this means probably looks a little different for each one of us. Here at Prince of Peace we have our Mission of Grow Deep. Reach Out.

How can you live out this mission while following Jesus? As we head into a new year of Ministry here at Prince of Peace, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and find ways to Grow Deep. Reach Out. There are plenty of opportunities, now it is your turn to say YES!